Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/465691
40 • MARCH 2015 • WORLD FENCE NEWS Electric fence grounding is a critical part of effective livestock containment STREETSBORO, Ohio — Spring is typically one of the wettest sea- sons of the year and the perfect time to check the electric fence grounding system. The number one reason electric fence energizers fail is due to ineffec- tive or improper grounding of the unit. Now that spring is nearing, farm- ers should double check the voltage of the current flowing through the elec- tric fence to verify that it is properly grounded. The performance of an electric fence is directly related to the proper or improper grounding of the energiz- er. The most powerful fence energizer is worthless without proper ground- ing. "Ensuring that an electric fence is properly grounded is an important task farmers should do periodically," said James Falbo, vice-president of engineering at AgraTronix, the man- ufacturer of the Power Wizard electric fence chargers. "Wet ground conditions, heavy snowfall and spring weeds can all have an impact on the ground con- nection. A properly working electric fence grounding system is critical for the electric current to effectively keep cattle contained and predators out," he stated. Power Wizard brand fence ener- gizers are known for their ultra low impedance technology, which means they work even with the poorest of ground conditions. However, even the most effective fence energizer requires a properly functioning ground system. If the electric fence grounding isn't done correctly the electrical cur- rent will not produce the necessary pulse of electricity to warn cows, horses and other livestock to keep them contained. AgraTronix presented six elec- tric fence grounding tips to consider to ensure electric fence chargers are grounded and working properly: • Check your ground system and the voltage of your electric fence during the wettest and driest seasons of the year to ensure adequate elec- tric fence grounding of your system regardless of the conditions of your land. • After properly shorting out the electric fence, use a Power Wizard digital volt meter to check the voltage levels of your fence energizer. • Make sure you use 10- to 14-gauge insulated lead-out wire rat- ed at 20,000V. Using household or industrial cables made for only 400V are not enough to support the system. • Make sure the correct type of rod is used for the grounding, for ex- ample pipe or rebar. It needs to be galvanized steel at least 4 feet long. Do not use cooper ground rods as these will lower the ef- fectiveness of the connection. • If the power is not sufficient, you may need to add another ground- ing rod to your grounding system. Most fences will require two or three grounding rods positioned about 10 feet apart, near the starting point of the fence. • Make sure that your ground rods are far enough away from your utili- ties, in particular your telephone lines. If the rods are too close to the utility grounds they will cause interference in your phone or electrical lines. Power Wizard energizers come in a variety of sizes based on a number of acres covered, joule rating, type of animal to be contained and the miles of wire for the fence. Power Wizard energizers are designed to meet the varied needs from the cattle ranchers, dairy farm- ers, horse owners, to the small hobby farmer with sheep, goats or pigs and even specialty animal owner with al- pacas or llamas. 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